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Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a grape variety widely known for its crisp, fresh and charmingly light aromatic profile.

Although best known as an everyday, easy-going drinking wine, Pinot Grigio is versatile with styles that can show more complexity, depth and concentration due to climatic and winemaking influences.

Producers around the world are showcasing its dynamic profile by experimenting with different techniques to enable the grape’s profile to shine.

Scroll down to discover 15 award-winning Pinot Grigio wines from around the world

In Italy’s North Eastern regions including Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige, there’s more focus on production of its popular fresh and light styles, but even within these regions, to neighbouring France where it’s known as Pinot Gris and beyond to countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Slovenia, this variety’s varied expressions are worth exploring.

International Pinot Grigio Day celebrates the diversity of this grape variety, and from floral to citrus-led to sweet, we highlight a range of award-winning wines that showcase the best of Pinot Grigio, as well as a range of countries it’s produced in.

Tasted and rated by specialists at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, below discover 15 award-winning Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris wines to try from around the world.

International Pinot Grigio Day: 15 to try

Argentina

Caminante, de Los Mundos Organic, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2023

Silver, 92 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Almost saline character, very direct and quite mineral with citrus and white fruit aromas. Energetic palate, showing tension. Alcohol 13%

Canada

Phantom Creek Estates, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia 2020

Silver, 93 points

100% Pinot Gris

Almost tropical on the nose, showing stone fruit aromas, with notes of apple skin, lemon pith and brioche. Lovely and toasty. Alc 13.5%

Croatia

Vinogradarstvo Vinski Hram, Statera Sivi Pinot, Zagorje – Međimurje 2023

Silver, 91 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Fruit driven, displaying nuances of white blossom, ripe pear and yellow apple. Zesty and fruity on the palate. Salty minerality. Alc 13%

France

Domaine Hurst, Grand Cru Brand, Alsace 2022

Silver, 93 points

100% Pinot Gris

Impressive dried flower, pear and hazelnut notes unfurl and sustain the bold, richly structured palate with a long saline finish. Alc 14%

Maison Pierre Sparr Successeurs, Sol Calcaire, Alsace 2020

Silver, 92 points

100% Pinot Gris

A complexity of apricots, pastry and honeycomb with a supple, richly textured palate, a cleansing acidity and salty finish. Alc 13.5%

Italy

Lis Neris, Gris, Friuli Isonzo 2021

Silver 93 points

100% Pinot Gris

Inviting, with a nose of orange blossom, smoky orchard fruit and yellow Spring flower; palate of lemon, apricot tart and spiced pear. Alc 14%

San Simone, Case Sugan Ramato, Friuli Grave 2021

Silver, 93 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Inviting nose of orange blossom, blood orange and peach skin; palate of stone fruit, subtle acidity and a fine mineral core. Alc 13%

Tunella, Colbajè Ramato, Colli Orientali del Friuli 2022

Silver, 92 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Attractive nose of red rose, then to a palate of red fruit, marmalade, candied cherry and lemon. Perfect picnic wine. Alc 13.5%

Amandum, Grey, Friuli Isonzo 2019

Silver, 92 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Hints of candied orange peel aromas lead to a smoky palate of peach skin, spice, almond oil and cedar. Alc 13%

New Zealand

Tiki, Single Vineyard, Waipara, Canterbury 2023

Silver, 91 points

100% Pinot Gris

White peach, jasmine and kiwi fruit with a lick of quince. Supple mouth-feel with juicy acidity and persistent fruit intensity. Alc 12.5%

Slovenia

Klet Brda Dobrovo, Quercus, Goriška Brda, Primorska 2023

Value Gold, 95 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Ripe pear and juicy red apple characters are emboldened by a spicy harmony and a lush, viscous texture. Refreshing and concentrated with a lemony twist of acidity. Alc 13.5%

Simčič Karol & Igor & Marijan, Sivi Pinot Vineyards Selection, Goriška Brda, Primorska 2022

Silver, 94 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Plenty of new and glossy oak aromas, notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. Attractive and complex, ripe pear and honeyed flavours. Alc 13%

Dveri Pax, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2022

Silver, 93 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Lifted and floral nose with delicate notes of peaches and tropical fruit. Expressive and peppery palate, with a refreshing finish. Alc 13%

M-Enostavno Dobra Vina, Goodfella, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2021

Silver, 92 points

100% Pinot Gris

Citrusy nose with aromas of pear, yellow fruit and apple blossom undertones. Refined on the palate, with a lingering finish. Alc 13%

Puklavec Family, Seven Numbers, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2022

Silver, 92 points

100% Pinot Grigio

Moderate intensity nose showing aromas of apples, pears and hints of oak. Dry and refreshing, with lemon and orange peel notes. Alc 13.5%

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Loukia Xinari
Loukia Xinari

Loukia is Marketing Manager at Decanter, supporting Decanter’s awards and events in the UK and overseas, including Decanter World Wine Awards, Fine Wine Encounters, Decanter Masterclasses and Decanter’s international presence at trade fairs and events.

Loukia is currently a WSET Diploma student and has a MSc (Hons) in marketing. Her background is diverse with her study focus being in law before she discovered her love for wine. She previously completed an internship in a winery in Naoussa, northern Greece and she also has experience working in the spirits industry with UK specialist retailer Master of Malt.

Loukia loves learning and exploring more about wine and her favourite grape varieties and wines at the moment include Assyrtiko, red Burgundy and Xinomavro.